Question

I am not producing breastmilk. What can I do?

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My son is 6 weeks old. I only breastfed for a day or two after he was born. I want to start breastfeeding him again but I know that I am not producing enough milk to feed him his 4 ounces every two hours that he is taking in formula. What can I do to start producing milk?

Mom Answers

The most effective way to increase supply is to nurse, nurse, nurse. If you own a pump, use it after every time you formula feed your baby. I had some luck with fenugreek, but taking it alone probably won't increase your supply as much as you need to. There are also prescription meds to increase supply, but there can be some nasty emotional side effects, so they're usually a last resort. There should also be a lactation consultant where you delivered, so I'd trying to get in touch with him or her. It's going to take perseverance, but hang in there. Good luck!

Breastmilk is different than formula. He won't need 4 oz every 2 hours, closer to 2 oz (most babies from 1 month to 6 months take about an ounce per hour). Definitely get to a lactation consultant or La Leche League if you can! LLL is free, if that makes a difference. Nurse and pump as much as you can. Like the first poster said, fenugreek has side effects (more than just blood sugar -- possibly can mess with thyroid, it's a cross allergen with peanuts and chickpeas, and it can cause green poops and gas in both you and baby), so it can help but be careful.

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